‘Virat Kohli will play, Rohit won’t…’ – Former England bowler’s strong prediction for team India for 20-20 World Cup 2024

India’s campaign in the 20-20 World Cup 2022 ended in the knockouts against England on November 10, Thursday, and the fans are yet to recover from the humiliation. More than the loss, it was the manner in which England won that hurt the Indian fans as they remained wicketless when they chased down the target of 169 in 16 overs. 

While Jos Buttler, the England skipper scored an unbeaten 80, Alex Hales, who was in top-notch form, gathered 86 runs and helped England seal the game with 10 wickets to spare. Former England cricketer Monty Panesar predicted that the Men in Blue skipper Rohit Sharma will bid goodbye to the shortest format of the game post the humbling defeat. 

Highlighting Rohit will be 37 years old during the 20-20 World Cup 2024, the former spinner said that it would be difficult for the talented batter to continue in T20Is. Further, Panesar said that alongside the Indian skipper, Dinesh Karthik and Ravichandran Ashwin may also hang their boots in the T20Is. 

England eventually went on to win the 20-20 World Cup 2022 by defeating Pakistan in the summit clash on Sunday and it was Ben Stokes who stood up for the team chasing a target of 138 by scoring a 49-ball 52. 

India did not put up fight in semis: Monty Panesar

Saying that the Men in Blue disappointed their fans by not showing up during the crucial encounter, Panesar said that it was expected from India to put up a strong fight in the much-awaited clash.

“India disappointed everyone (with the way they lost in the semi-final), and I think there are some retirements coming up. Let’s be honest, India didn’t put up a fight in the semis. It was a completely one-sided affair. Indian bowling looked clueless in front of Buttler and Hales. You are playing the semis and you need to give a solid fight; 168 is not a small score,” Panesar was quoted as saying by the Times of India. 

“Rohit (Sharma), Dinesh Karthik and R Ashwin are the top names who could say goodbye to T20I cricket. The team management will surely have a meeting with these guys and will ask them about their plans…It’s time these players make way for young player,” said the former cricketer further. 

“Virat is in great form. He is the fittest among all the Indian players. Age is just a number for Virat considering his super fitness. You may see him in the 2024 T20 World Cup. I am not seeing Rohit being part of that tournament, DK and Ashwin too (may not be there). There could be more players (considering T20I retirement), but these three, I think, will leave T20Is and focus on Tests and ODIs,” he added.